FFA members active at nationals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Forty New Ulm and Sleepy Eye student leaders were part of the 86th National FFA Convention that set a new attendance record by attracting more than 62,000 students Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 in Louisville.

Three area men received Honorary American FFA Degrees – John Schroeder of Courtland, New Ulm attorney Mike Dove and the late Bob Christensen of Sleepy Eye.

“Those three men were outstanding FFA members and received the accolades they deserve for their work,” said New Ulm FFA Advisor Jeff Nelson.

New Ulm students receiving American FFA Degrees were Aaron Miller, Kyle Miller and Amy Stadtherr. Bridget Forst of New Ulm was selected and performed in the National FFA Choir.

“It was a great opportunity for the students to see so many people and see what they can achieve,” Nelson said.

Sleepy Eye students received American FFA Degrees were Josie Fischer, Jessica Busch, Cynthia Hansen, Elizabeth Johnson, Laura Rosenhammer, Christopher Seifert and Desirae Rose. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree attainable in the FFA and is achieved by less than one percent of its members.

Sleepy Eye National Proficiency Finalists Busch and Brandon Roiger were named national runner-up in Ag Communications and Home and Community Development, respectively.

The Sleepy Eye Poultry team of Roiger, Tia Cselovszki, Matt Miller and Jamie Fischer finished 11th in the nation. Roiger placed 24th and Fischer 33rd among more than 150 competitors.

Sleepy Eye Senior Officers Jordyn Domeier and Stephanie Hammerschmidt accepted the chapter’s 3-Star National Chapter Award for student, chapter and community development activities. They also worked at the KNUJ media booth, assisting with interviews, along with Roiger and Rosenhammer who worked in the radio news room.

“I am very proud of all my students who competed at nationals,” said Sleepy Eye FFA Advisor Mary Hoffmann. “They worked very hard to achieve success and it was extremely exciting to see them compete at such an esteemed level.”

In addition to attending the convention, students were given the chance to tour the Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs and Glassworks.